Responding to news of the amnesty and release of Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s East.
Journalism and Free Speech articles on Democracy Chronicles
A basic necessity in a democratic society, is journalism and free speech play a central role in creating a system of checks and balance, and in distributing power equally between governments, businesses, individuals, and other social entities. Access to verifiable information gathered by independent media sources, which adhere to journalistic standards, can also be of service to ordinary citizens, by empowering them with the tools they need in order to participate in the political process. Also see our articles on Civil Rights.
Press Freedom Remains Elusive for Haiti’s Journalists
Senator Youri Latortue says privately-owned media and the government should work together to allow the press to fulfill its mission without constraints.
Myanmar Authorities Arrest Critics Even as They Pardon Prisoners
Myanmar has launched a crackdown in recent weeks arresting satirical performers, activists, a journalist and a prominent filmmaker with liver cancer.
Uganda Targeted Journalists on World Press Freedom Day
As World Press Freedom Day was celebrated, media houses in Uganda were being targeted over coverage of an opposition figure’s appearance in court.
Kenya Drops in Press Freedom Index, But Remains Haven for Journalists
No country in East Africa ranks high in the World Press Freedom Index, prepared each year by advocacy group Reporters Without Borders.
Press Freedom Continues to Face Setbacks in China
Press freedom has long been an elusive aspiration in China, and the outlook has become increasingly dire under the tight rule of Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Cambodian Journalist Sees Media Situation Deteriorating
Cambodian journalist Aun Pheapused to be a dedicated reporter. He would chase stories for The Cambodia Daily, a local independent paper.
Cameroon Journalists Decry Treatment by Both Sides in War
The occasion of World Press Freedom Day, journalists in Cameroon are protesting what they said are abuses by both the government and separatists fighting.
Podcast: A Brief History of “People Power”
In his book, “Can Democracy Work? A Short History of a Radical Idea from Ancient Athens to Our World,” James Miller encapsulates 2500 years of democracy history into about 250 pages.
Benin Internet Shutdown Repeats Pattern of African Censorship
When authorities in Benin turned off the country’s internet during parliamentary elections, they became ninth African government to restrict access.